separation Archives – Sonshine's Journal

Lev 13, Matt 8 “Unclean and Clean”

Over the last year and a half, we have experienced the stigma of being “unclean” regarding the pandemic. There has been a public outcry to be vaccinated and how to handle this to protect others. In some way, this scenario is much like what Hansen’s disease or leprosy was to the Israelite community. When leprosy broke out, those who had contracted it were separated from the rest lest it infects the community. The “in house DR.” or the high priest was to determine what the infection was, but the only treatment was isolation. Just as physical leprosy separates the people, spiritual leprosy isolates us from a holy God.

Perhaps that is why we see the full impact in the leper’s story, who was bold and yet fearful as he approached Jesus. He came with one question: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” [Matt 8:2] God has provided Jesus as our “in house Dr.” He is willing to reach out, touch us and cleanse us of our sin.

There are two questions before us: (1) Are we still walking around with our spiritual leprosy, and (2) Are we willing to approach Jesus and seek His cleansing? Where are you today?

As Jesus ended his earthly time with his disciples he had them prepare the Passover, his last meal with them before the cross. He emphasized that as they partook of the bread and wine that it represented his body and his blood shed for them. Although they did not totally understand the significance of this night until after the Resurrection, they quickly instituted what we know as Communion. In this way they obeyed his command to remember his death until he returns and when we may all celebrate it with him in heaven.

In Proverbs 9, Solomon used an analogy of two banquets prepared by Lady Wisdom and Dame Folly. Lady Wisdom is busy preparing a dinner for the guests, the naïve who lack understanding, sending out the dinner invitations to come and feast at her table. The invitation reads: “Blessed is everyone who will feast in the kingdom of God!” She sends her slaves to gather those invited to come. In contrast Dame Folly, who is naïve and does not know anything, sits at the door of her house calling to the passersby, come and taste of the “stolen waters which are sweet.” This reminds us of the parable Jesus taught in the NT of a king who prepared a wedding feast for his son and invited many guests. However, those who were invited offered excuses and would not come. Thus he said ‘the ones who had been invited were not worthy.” Why were they not worthy? They did not come when called.

Our King is busy preparing a sumptuous banquet for us and invites us to come. Will we offer excuses or be ready? God’s banquet leads to life eternal but Dame Folly’s only offers separation and death.

Tag: separation

Spiritual Healing for Spiritual Leprosy

“What will your R.S.V.P. Say?”